Adjustable Occipital Plate Fixation System for Spinal Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthopedic fixation devices for spinal applications require a large inventory of plates in various sizes and geometries, increasing surgical time and costs due to the need for precise sizing and selection to fit patient anatomy, while also seeking to reduce inventory and surgery duration while maintaining a secure connection.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic fixation system featuring a plate with adjustable rod connectors and multiple orientations, including arms with rails and housing portions that allow for selective positioning and orientation of spinal fixation rods, enabling secure attachment to the occipital or other bone structures without the need for multiple plate sizes, utilizing anchors and screw locking mechanisms to prevent reverse threading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple plate sizes and geometries are provided to fit different patient anatomies, then adaptability to patient anatomy is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The occipital plate is designed with adjustable rod connector positions and multiple opening configurations that allow a single plate design to accommodate various rod sizes, orientations, and patient anatomies. The plate can be configured with different numbers and positions of rod connectors (e.g., bilateral, unilateral, or no connectors) to suit different surgical needs and patient requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized plate sizes and geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod connectors are positioned adjustably along the plate rather than being fixed, allowing the surgeon to reposition them during surgery to optimize fit and function. This dynamic positioning capability enables a single plate design to adapt to various anatomical configurations and surgical approaches, reducing the need for multiple pre-configured plate variants.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple plate sizes and geometries are provided to fit different patient anatomies, then adaptability to patient anatomy is improved, but surgical time increases due to selection process
Solution Approach 1:
The single universal plate design with adjustable features eliminates the need for surgeons to search through multiple plate sizes and geometries to find the best fit. The plate's configurable rod connectors and opening positions allow it to adapt to various anatomical scenarios, significantly reducing the plate selection and positioning time during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable rod connectors can be repositioned during surgery to achieve optimal fit without requiring preoperative planning of specific plate configurations. This dynamic adjustment capability streamlines the surgical process by allowing rapid adaptation to patient anatomy, reducing overall surgical time.
3Device complexity
If adjustable rod connectors are used to reduce inventory, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is designed with modular components including separate rod connectors that can be independently positioned and secured. The connectors can be placed at various predetermined positions along the plate, with each position offering precise alignment features. This segmented design allows for precise positioning without requiring the entire plate to be manufactured with high precision for all possible configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate incorporates features that allow adjustment of rod connector positions along the plate length and orientation. These adjustable parameters enable precise positioning to be achieved through mechanical adjustment rather than requiring multiple precision-manufactured plate variants, reducing the overall manufacturing precision burden while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
There are provided orthopedic fixation systems for attachment of a rod to bone. In an embodiment, plate having top and bottom surfaces includes at least one pocket formed through the surfaces to engage an anchor to bone. At least one arm extends from the longitudinal section of the plate. A housing portion has a base configured for slideable engagement with a course defined in the arm to allow selective positioning of the housing portion. The housing defines a passageway for slideable engagement with a rod to allow selective positioning of the rod. A ring has an inner surface for engagement with the housing portion and a lower surface for engagement with the plate. Locking apparatus is configured for engagement with the arm, housing, and rod to allow selective fixation of (1) the housing along the arm and (2) the rod and the housing with respect to one another.